Electrical Propulsion R&D Engineer/Scientist
Category:
Busek Space and Propulsion systems is currently seeking an experienced Electric Propulsion R&D Engineer/Scientist to join the team at our offices in Natick, MA.
ABOUT BUSEK:
From small spacecraft in low-earth orbit, to geostationary satellites, to cubesats going to the moon and beyond, Busek solves challenges and creates thrust. Our talented and dedicated staff have collective expertise spanning in-space propulsion, vacuum systems, materials science, and high-fidelity electronic solutions. We are a leading source for advanced electric propulsion thrusters for use on military, government, and commercial satellites. Among our many accomplishments are the first US Hall thruster in space, the first microPPT thrusters, the first flight-proven electrospray thrusters, the first propellant-less Carbon Nano-tube Field Emission Cathode Neutralizer, and the world’s lowest noise thrust stand (noise level below 0.1µN/rt-Hz in the 1mHz-100mHz bandwidth).
DESCRIPTION:
Busek seeks an experienced test and experimentation engineer or scientist to join us in the development of new miniature electric propulsion systems. The candidate will work closely with a small and focused team to develop electrospray and other propulsion systems from the ground up. The ideal candidate has experience devising, carrying out and analyzing experimental tests from initial concept ideation through to results dissemination. A passion for meticulous data acquisition, analysis and interpretation are essential. Experience desired in one or more of the following areas: ion beam diagnostics, electric propulsion performance testing, microfluidics, microsystems (MEMS), high vacuum test facilities, high voltage systems, experimental design and setup, data acquisition, instrumentation protocols (GPIB, serial, USB, ethernet etc…), LabView, MATLAB, Solidworks.
Position Type: Full-time
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Take ownership of subsystem development/research efforts
- Assembling and testing miniature electric propulsion systems
- Commissioning high vacuum test facilities for electric propulsion performance tests
- Designing, fabricating and implementing test and assembly jigs
- Developing data acquisition and test automation software using LabView
- Performing data analysis in MATLAB
- Formulating and relaying design feedback
- Authoring test procedures and test reports
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong background in electronic test equipment and principles of electric circuits
- Precision hardware assembly
- Microfluidics development and/or experimentation
- Data acquisition and automation via LabView
- MATLAB data processing
- Test procedure definition and documentation
- Working knowledge of CAD software (Solidworks or similar)
- Strong documentation skills and participation applied within development efforts and design reviews
- Creative, entrepreneurial, problem-solving mindset
- BS degree and 3 or more years of experience in graduate programs or industry desired. MSc and PhD candidates are encouraged to apply.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Self-guided planning and execution of one or more research efforts from ideation through dissemination.
- Electric propulsion systems
- Ion beam operation and/or diagnostic instrumentation
- Electrospray source design and/or operation
- Use and commissioning of high vacuum test facilities
- Working within Government-funded R&D and production environments (e.g. NASA, DARPA, and the DoD)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
- Employment is contingent on other factors, including, but not limited to, credit and background checks and drug screens.
APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to work@busek.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected factor. Busek is an equal opportunity employer.
Telephone: (508) 655-5565 Fax: (508) 655-2827